Villanelle 2.0 is a dangerously glamorous, high-fashion display typeface inspired by the enigmatic assassin from BBC America’s Killing Eve. The first version of Villanelle was published as a single uppercase style in 2020 – an early experiment in communicating a character within a typeface. The project grew over the following two years, continuing to explore the identity of the charismatic, psychopathic, exquisitely dressed, and violently stylish killer.
Can a collection of letters look like they might stab you and enjoy it? Can they look warm-blooded and cold-hearted, fragile and unbreakable? This marriage of opposites has created a variable typeface with elegant curves, razor-sharp edges, plunging descenders, high-contrast strokes and a dramatic flair. The type specimen matches this energy and communicates the concept of the project, while promoting the features of Villanelle 2.0 – completely redrawn, 7 weights, 14 styles, extended Latin language support, discretionary ligatures, stylistic sets and a lot of attitude.
Can a collection of letters look like they might stab you and enjoy it? Can they look warm-blooded and cold-hearted, fragile and unbreakable? This marriage of opposites has created a variable typeface with elegant curves, razor-sharp edges, plunging descenders, high-contrast strokes and a dramatic flair. The type specimen matches this energy and communicates the concept of the project, while promoting the features of Villanelle 2.0 – completely redrawn, 7 weights, 14 styles, extended Latin language support, discretionary ligatures, stylistic sets and a lot of attitude.
Photographer: Natasja Kremers
Model: Melle Branson
